Panoramic photo of the Louvre, the largest museum in Paris, where John Quincy Adams was schooled

Young John Quincy Adams Abroad

John Quincy Adams served as his father's secretary when John Adams was sent to Europe as a special representative during the American Revolution. Schooled in Paris and at the University of Leiden in the Netherlands, John Quincy Adams was a gifted student, becoming not only polished and well mannered but also able to speak several languages, including French -- the diplomatic language of choice at the time. This made him a valuable asset to the American delegation going to Russia in 1781. Was their mission there successful?